The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and enhancing customs cooperation.
The pledge was made during a diplomatic engagement between Adeniyi and officials of the UAE Embassy on April 29, 2026.
During the meeting, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed, congratulated the Comptroller-General on his appointment as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), describing it as a proud achievement for Nigeria and the African continent.
Ambassador Saeed commended Adeniyi and his management team for their leadership and dedication, noting that the partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the UAE has yielded strong results, particularly in non-oil trade.
“We have achieved a substantial increase in non-oil trade from the year 2023 to 2025. Despite the challenges over the years, this remains one of the best relationships we have had,” he said.
The Ambassador also disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been proposed to further strengthen cooperation between the NCS and UAE Customs, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation and customs administration.
He described the CGC as one of the most valued guests received by the Embassy, adding that the Customs management team has worked diligently to sustain Nigeria’s current level of trade growth.
In his response, the Customs boss expressed appreciation for the warm reception and noted that the engagement would usher in a new phase in strengthening the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
“We are happy to work with the UAE to show the true nature of trade. We also want to make trade easier, especially for SMEs, and use your embassy to bring Customs administrations together,” he stated.
Adeniyi added that trade relations between both countries have improved significantly over the past two years, assuring that the NCS would continue to engage traders and service providers to enhance efficiency and promote legitimate trade.
He further stressed the need for both countries to collaborate in addressing the activities of individuals whose actions undermine Nigeria’s image abroad, noting that stronger cooperation would enhance security, build trust, and support economic growth.
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